Systematic theology books are plentiful. Almost every theological viewpoint, like Arminian, Reformed, and Pentecostal, and every Christian denomination, like Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist, has a corresponding Systematic Theology book that reflects their positions on different topics of Scripture.
Yet looking at a book’s cover, or even reading the back of it, does not always tell a person what viewpoints are defended inside it. Systematic Theology books can be expensive, so it’s important for a person to know what they are buying or using to ensure it is the right fit for them.
Systematic Theology Comparison Chart
The Systematic Theology comparison tables below are intended to point the reader in the right direction for their specific purposes. After the tables, see summaries of five Systematic Theology books in each of the following traditions: Reformed (Calvinist), Arminian, Baptist, and Pentecostal.
| Book | Notes |
|---|---|
Barth, Karl | Title: Church Dogmatics. Perspective: Swiss Reformed, Neo-Orthodox. Other notes: It’s 14 volumes. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Bavinck, Herman  | Title: Reformed Dogmatics. Perspective: Dutch Reformed, Calvinistic. Other notes: J.I. Packer calls it a “supreme achievement.” See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Berkof, Louis  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Dutch-American Reformed, Calvinistic. Other notes: Berkof was a pastor and professor at Calvin Seminary. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Berkouwer, G.C.  | Title: Studies in Dogmatics. Perspective: Dutch Reformed, Calvinistic. Other notes: It’s 14 volumes. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Bird, Michael  | Title: Evangelical Theology. Perspective: Evangelical. Other notes: Bird argues that the center of theology is the gospel. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Bloesch, Donald  | Title: Christian Foundations. Perspective: Bloesch referred to himself as a “progressive evangelical.” Other notes: The amount of volumes varies by edition. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Boice, James Montgomery  | Title: Foundations of the Christian Faith. Perspective: Reformed. Other notes: Boice founded the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Buswell, James  | Title: A Systematic Theology of the Christian Religion See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| Calvin, John  | Title: Institutes of the Christian Religion. Perspective: Reformed. Other notes: Calvin started writing at this book at 26, and revised it until his death at age 54 See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Chafer, Lewis Sperry  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Dispensational premillennialism. Other notes: Standard set is eight volumes, founded Dallas Theological Seminary. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Culver, Robert  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Reformed. Other notes: R. Albert Mohler calls it “bold, comprehensive.” See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Erickson, Millard  | Title: Christian Theology. Perspective: Baptist, conservative, evangelical. Other notes: This is the seminary-level edition (see below). See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Erickson, Millard  | Title: Introducing Christian Doctrine. Perspective: Baptist, conservative, evangelical. Other notes: This edition is best for laypeople and undergraduates. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Book | Notes |
|---|---|
| Finger, Thomas  | Title: Christian Theology. Perspective: Anabaptist, e.g., Mennonite, Brethren. Notes: Finger taught at Mennonite seminaries. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Frame, John  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Reformed, Calvinist, presuppositions apologetics. Notes: John Piper calls it “massive, magnificent, and biblical.” See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Garrett, James  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Southern Baptist. Notes: Users call it helpful to pastors and those teaching theology. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Geisler, Norman  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Geisler considered himself a “moderate Calvinist,” rejecting Limited Atonement. Notes: Four volumes in one. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| Grudem, Wayne  | Title: Bible Doctrine. Perspective: Evangelical, non-cessationist. Notes: This edition is best for laypeople and undergraduates (see below). See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Grudem, Wayne  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Evangelical, non-cessationist. Notes: This edition is best for seminary students. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Gunton, Colin  | Title: The Christian Faith. Perspective: The author is a member of the United Reformed Church (U.K.). Notes: Content follows the Nicene Creed. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Hanson, Bradley  | Title: Christian Theology. Perspective: Lutheran. Notes: Introductory. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Henry, Carl  | Title: Revelation and Authority. Perspective: Baptist, evangelical. Notes: The standard edition is six volumes. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Hodge, Charles  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Reformed Presbyterian. Notes: The author is known for his commentary on Romans. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| Horton, Michael  | Title: The Christian Faith. Perspective: Reformed, Calvinistic. Notes: This edition is best for seminary students. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Horton, Michael  | Title: Pilgrim Theology. Perspective: Reformed, Calvinistic. Notes: This edition is best for laypeople and undergraduates. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Horton, Stanley  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Pentecostal. Notes: Multiple authors contribute to this volume. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Book | Notes |
|---|---|
| Jenson, Robert  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Lutheran. Notes: The author studied under Barth. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| Letham, Robert  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Reformed Presbyterian. Notes: The author teaches at Wales Evangelical School of Theology. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Lewis and Demarest  | Title: Integrative Theology. Perspective: Baptist, conservative. Notes: It integrates historical, biblical, systematic, apologetic, and practical theology. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Lloyd-Jones, Martin  | Title: Great Doctrines of the Bible. Perspective: Reformed, Calvinistic. Notes: The cover image is for the three-in-one edition. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| MacArthur, John  | Title: Biblical Doctrine. Perspective: Reformed, Baptist, cessationist. Notes: Best for pastors and seminary students. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| McClendon, James  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Anabaptist, e.g., Mennonite, Brethren. Notes: Focuses on theological ethics. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| McCune, Rolland  | Title: Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity. Perspective: Independent Baptist. Notes: Published by Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| McGrath, Alister  | Title: Christian Theology. Perspective: Anglican, Theistic evolution. Notes: The companion volume is called, A Christian Theology Reader. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Menzies and Horton  | Title: Bible Doctrines. Perspective: Both authors are members of Assemblies of God. Notes: Content follows 16 Fundamentals of Faith of the AG. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Oden, Thomas  | Title: Classic Christianity. Perspective: Arminian, Methodist. Notes: It reportedly brings today’s church “the best wisdom from its past.” See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Olson, Roger  | Title: The Mosaic of Christian Belief. Perspective: American Baptist, Arminian. Notes: Best for evangelical laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Packer, J.I.  | Title: Concise Theology. Perspective: Anglican, Calvinist, evangelical. Notes: The paperback usually sells for under $15. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Pannenberg, Wolfhart  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Lutheran. Notes: The approach to theology is grounded in historical revelation. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Book | Notes |
|---|---|
| Reymond, Robert  | Title: A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. Perspective: Reformed Presbyterian. Notes: Upholds classic Calvinist positions. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Ryrie, Charles  | Title: Basic Theology. Perspective: Baptist, Dispensational. Notes: Contains 94 short chapters. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Sawyer, James  | Title: The Survivor’s Guide to Theology. Perspective: Baptist, evangelical, dispensational. Notes: Introductory. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Shedd, William  | Title: Dogmatic Theology. Perspective: Reformed Presbyterian. Notes: Sheed was a leading theologian of the 19th century. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Sproul, R.C.  | Title: Everyone’s A Theologian. Perspective: Reformed Presbyterian. Notes: Introductory. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Strong, Augustus  | Title: Systematic Theology. Perspective: Reformed, Baptist. Notes: Readers within its tradition consider it a classic. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Thiessen, Henry | Title: Lectures in Systematic Theology. Perspective: evangelical, dispensational akin to Chaefer. Notes: Affordable paperback, revised in 1979. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Tillich, Paul  | Title: Lectures in Systematic Theology. Perspective: Some Lutherans and evangelicals argue he is pantheistic. Notes: Three volumes. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Vos, Geerhardus  | Title: Reformed Dogmatics. Perspective: Dutch-American Reformed Presbyterian. Notes: Michael Horton (see above) recommends. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Warfield, B.B.  | Title: Studies In Theology. Perspective: Reformed Presbyterian championed inerrancy. Notes: Standard set is published in 10 volumes. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Wiley, Orton  | Title: Christian Theology. Perspective: Wesleyan, Holiness, Church of the Nazarene. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Williams, Rodman  | Title: Renewal Theology. Perspective: Pentecostal. Notes: Pentecostal, Renewal theologian from the charismatic tradition. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Reformed Systematic Theology Books
“Reformed Dogmatics” (links in this section go to Amazon) by Herman Bavinck: This comprehensive four-volume work is highly regarded in Reformed circles. Bavinck thoroughly examines various theological topics, including God, creation, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology.
“Systematic Theology” by John M. Frame: This book offers a Reformed perspective on systematic theology. Frame covers a wide range of topics, including the nature and authority of Scripture, the attributes of God, divine providence, the person and work of Christ, the application of redemption, and the church.
“Institutes of the Christian Religion” by John Calvin: Written by one of the key figures of the Reformation, Calvin’s “Institutes” is a foundational work of Reformed theology. It covers various aspects of Christian doctrine, including the knowledge of God, creation, sin, Christology, the sacraments, and the Christian life.
“Reformed Dogmatics” by G. C. Berkouwer: This multi-volume work by Berkouwer explores various theological topics from a Reformed perspective. He delves into themes such as the knowledge of God, Christology, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the sacraments.
Arminian Systematic Theology Books
“A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology” by J. Kenneth Grider: This book presents a systematic theology from a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective. It explores various theological topics, including the nature of God, the doctrine of salvation, sanctification, the church, and eschatology.
“Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities” by Roger E. Olson: Olson provides a comprehensive overview of Arminian theology, addressing common misconceptions and clearly presenting key Arminian beliefs. He covers topics such as predestination, free will, grace, and the nature of God’s sovereignty.
“Classical Arminianism: A Theology of Salvation” by F. Leroy Forlines: Forlines offers a comprehensive theological exploration of Classical Arminianism, addressing topics like God’s foreknowledge, predestination, the atonement, faith, and the security of believers.
Baptist Systematic Theology Books
“Baptist Theology: A Four-Century Study” by James Leo Garrett Jr.: This comprehensive work explores Baptist theology throughout its history, examining key themes, doctrines, and theological developments. It provides insights into the distinctive theological perspectives within the Baptist tradition.
“A Systematic Theology of the Christian Religion” by James Petigru Boyce: Boyce, a prominent Baptist theologian, presents a systematic theology from a Reformed Baptist perspective. His work addresses various theological topics, including God, Christology, salvation, the church, and eschatology.
“The Baptist Faith and Message” edited by Herschel H. Hobbs: Although not strictly a systematic theology book, “The Baptist Faith and Message” is a statement of beliefs and doctrinal positions adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention. It outlines the core theological convictions of Southern Baptists.
Pentecostal Systematic Theology Books
“Systematic Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective” by Stanley M. Horton: This book provides a comprehensive systematic theology from a Pentecostal perspective. It explores various theological topics, including the doctrine of God, Christology, pneumatology (doctrine of the Holy Spirit), soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology.
“Pentecostal Theology: A Theology of Encounter” by Keith Warrington: Warrington offers a systematic theology that emphasizes the experiential dimension of Pentecostal theology. He explores key theological themes, including the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, divine healing, worship, and the church’s mission.
“Systematic Theology” by J. Rodman Williams: Williams, a prominent Pentecostal theologian, presents a systematic theology that reflects his charismatic and pneumatological emphasis. His work covers topics such as the nature of God, Christology, pneumatology, salvation, the church, and eschatology.
“Spirit and Power: Foundations of Pentecostal Experience” by William W. Menzies and Robert P. Menzies: This book introduces Pentecostal theology, addressing theological themes from a biblical and historical perspective. It explores topics such as baptism in the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and the church.
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